Ellinor was thrilled that she was finally about to get rid of Balfour at the subway station.
She checked out the traffic on both sides of the street, then stepped onto the sidewalk, deliberately speeding up to shake off Balfour.
Just as she was nearing the other side of the road, a car bolted out of nowhere, heading straight for Ellinor at high speed.
By the time Ellinor noticed the car, it was too late to react. Suddenly, a tall figure lunged at her, shielding her behind him.
Balfour, while protecting her, also made sure not to squash her belly. So when they fell together, he purposely twisted, letting Ellinor land on him.
Then, the sound of screeching brakes and Balfourâs muffled grunt echoed; luckily, nothing worse happened.
As Ellinor came back to her senses, she first noticed the hit-and-run car. It was a gray van.
Then she looked down at Balfour beneath her, getting up and asking. âMr. Howard, are you okay?â
Balfour also sat up; his first instinct was not to check on himself but to comfortingly pat Ellinorâs head, âIâm okay. You canât be this careless in the future.â
Seeing Balfour, dusty but still only concerned about her, a warm feeling welled up within Ellinor, and she bent down to help him up.
Balfour was surprised by Ellinorâs help. He stood up but didnât put his weight on his right foot.
Being the observant girl she was, Ellinor immediately caught on and frowned, âDid that car hit your foot?â
Balfour simply shook his head, âItâs fine, as long as youâre okay.â
Ellinor was at a loss for words.
Balfour didnât seem to care about his foot. He limped a few steps, flagged down a taxi, and then turned to Ellinor, âGet in; Iâll take you to the Blanchet villa first.â
Ellinor looked at him, nodded, and got in.
After getting in, Balfour gave the driver the address of the Blanchet villa.
But Ellinor changed the destination, âSir, can you take us to the nearest hospital instead?â
Balfour looked at her in surprise, âIâm okay; thereâs no need to go to the hospital.â
Ellinor frowned, staring ahead, âBetter safe than sorry. I donât want to owe you.â
Balfour smiled helplessly, âItâs me who owes you. I didnât recognize you before and was rude to you. Iâm sorry.â
Ellinor turned to look at Balfour. Her eyes were bloodshot, and she felt a pang of sadness before turning back to look out at the street, coldly saying, âYou didnât know who I was then, so your rudeness is understandable.â
Balfour looked at her gently, âSo, have you forgiven me?â
Ellinor didnât respond, âLetâs get your foot checked at the hospital first.â
Balfour laughed, âIâm fine. As long as youâre willing to talk to me, I donât care if Iâm injured.â
Ellinor frowned, giving him a displeased glance, âYou better take care of yourself. I donât want to be burdened with looking after you for life.â
Balfour lovingly patted her head, âDonât worry, Iâm okay. Even if Iâm not, I wonât make you take care of me; as long as youâre willing to visit me occasionally, Iâll be happy.â
Ellinor was at a loss for words.